This is the perfect veggie recipe. Boasting good amounts of protein, low GI carbohydrate and fibre, it will sustain your energy levels and assist with muscle maintenance.
It's such a versatile dish to make, as you can use whatever grain you prefer, add whatever herbs are in season, and use your favourite legumes. even swap the cheddar for some feta cheese - make it yours.
Serves 4
1/2 cup low GI brown rice
1 cup (250ml) water
8 large ripe tomatoes
2 shallots, finely sliced
1 cup grated tasty cheese
125g can four bean mix, drained and rinsed
50g button mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
1. Preheat oven to 160°C. In a saucepan over high heat bring rice and water to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover saucepan and simmer for 25 – 30 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and stand, covered for 5 – 10 minutes.
2. Cut tops off tomatoes. Gently spoon pulp out of tomatoes into a bowl. Mash pulp with a fork. Combine cooked rice, tomato pulp, shallots, ½ cup grated cheese, four bean mix, mushrooms parsley and basil.
3. Divide rice mixture into tomatoes, top with remaining grated cheese. Place tomatoes into oven proof dish with enough hot water to come 1cm up the side of tomatoes.
4. Place dish into oven, bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and tomatoes have softened. Serve with green salad drizzled with olive oil.
Nutrition information (for two tomatoes): Kilojoules: 1311kJ (315cal) Protein: 17g Carbohydrate: 32g Fat: 11g Saturated fat: 7g Fibre: 7g sodium: 325g
